DE4017 - Design History, Context and Theory

What will I learn on this module?

This module introduces you to your design discipline from social and historical perspectives and details its subsequent evolution in culture towards the digitally mediated mixed realities of the 21st century. At the same time, you will become familiar with key issues such as ethics, social responsibility, intersectionality and multiculturism. You will also be introduced to key analytical and research methods that underpin and will strengthen your reflective and critical skills as a developing designer.

How will I learn on this module?

This module will be based on a learning-by doing-approach. You will learn how to conduct design research by undertaking various reflective tasks aligned with online and live lectures. In the planned seminars and workshops, your tutors and peers will offer formative feedback on your development, your growing understanding of your discipline’s heritage and its contribution to social issues in the 21st century.

As the module progresses, you will plan and undertake a report deconstructing and discussing an example of design practice. You will be asked to consider its historical context and interrogate its impact in terms of ethics and/or social responsibility. You will deliver your report in a reflective image and text zine publication.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Your tutor/s will give online and live lectures, run seminar sessions and workshops to support your learning of these key historical, contextual, and theoretical issues as well as introduce you to a variety of methods related to design research. You will be supported in establishing your own report through critiques by your tutors and peers. Formative feedback will take place throughout the module.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

• Demonstrate an understanding of a range of research techniques and analytical tools that are applicable to design research. (KU01)

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• Identity, research, plan and deliver a research report using appropriate methods and tools. (IPSA01)

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• Awareness of multi-cultural environments and the ethical and responsible considerations of your design discipline. (PVA02)

• Use effective written, visual or verbal communication skills to professionally present and defend your work. (PVA04)

How will I be assessed?

This module will be summatively assessed at the end of the module through a portfolio submission.

You will be assessed on the submission of the following elements:

1. Evidence of a range of formative reflective tasks. (KU01)
2. Up to 1250-word reflective Zine Publication, which should include visual sources and evidence of academic referencing, appropriate image captioning and a bibliography.
(KU01, IPSA01, PVA02, PVA04)

Formative feedback will be given throughout the module culminating in a final portfolio submission. Formative feedback will be given verbally, whereas summative assessment will be written, giving a marks breakdown of how the submission met the four individual learning outcomes.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module introduces you to your design discipline from social and historical perspectives and details its subsequent evolution in culture towards the digitally mediated mixed realities of the 21st century. At the same time, you will become familiar with key issues such as ethics, social responsibility, intersectionality and multiculturism. You will also be introduced to design research methods that underpin knowledge and understanding and will learn how to use the University and its resources to support your ongoing research.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years and 4 months

School Design Arts and Creative Industries

Location Various Locations

City Newcastle

Start January 2022

Fee Information

Module Information

Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

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The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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Accuracy of information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing.

How your course is delivered

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning.

Changes to your course

Most courses run as described on our website and in our marketing materials. Occasionally we may need to make changes, for example due to a change in the law or regulatory requirements, requirements of a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body, or our quality assurance processes. Where a change is significant (in line with the Competition and Markets Authority's guidance on "substantial changes"), we will consult with affected students in advance where the change is being decided, and will explain the reason for the change and inform you at the earliest opportunity.

If we make a significant variation to your programme, you are entitled to: request a transfer to an alternative, appropriate programme; withdraw and have your tuition fees adjusted; or raise a complaint through the Student Complaints Procedure.

Optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year. Where a module you selected is withdrawn, the options above apply.

Contact time

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

Images and video

The photography and video on this page are used for illustration. They may have been taken at different times and in different parts of the University, and may show facilities, equipment, staff, students or activities that are not part of this course. They are not a guarantee of the specific facilities or equipment you will use.

The course content, entry requirements and fees sections of this page, together with the Programme Specification, set out what this course includes. Our facilities are updated over time and may change during your studies.

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